World Cup: Early hope but sadly same old finish for England

Maguire and his defensive partners have scored four goals for EnglandBRADLEY ORMESHER/THE TIMES

For the fourth time since the mid-1990s England were knocked out of a tournament after taking a lead in the first five minutes: they led Germany in the third minute at Euro 1996, Portugal in the third minute at Euro 2004, Iceland in the fourth minute at Euro 2016 and Croatia in the fifth minute last night.

England have failed to reach a final on foreign soil in all 30 attempts, falling short in 17 World Cups and 13 European Championships (including where they did not qualify for the tournament). England defenders have scored twice as many goals as all German players at this World Cup (four: John Stones two, Harry Maguire and Kieran Trippier one each).

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